Gerhard
Daum is an artist that is inspired by his surroundings. The idea is to put
yourself in the right place to find that inspiration. I think Gerhard did just
that when he recorded his album Rural
Renewal. The cover story is staring at you on the front of the CD. It does
not take long to see where the man derives the impetus to pick up a guitar and
create music.

That is the first part of the story, the second is to focus
on the various sounds of the guitar. He does so beautifully on the twelve
tracks afforded the listener. As he indicates in the CD liner notes, each track
tells a story. He is very good at that and his expertise has been used in the motion
picture industry for soundtracks as well. In fact, he is an award-winning film
composer. He also adds multi-instrumentalist to that resume.

I would not hesitate for a second to describe the movement
and consistency of this recording. It is excellent from start to finish with no
apparent weaknesses. I do appreciate instrumental music in general and
particularly guitar oriented compositions. It was an easy sell for me but that
does not give an album a free pass. It has to be excellent for me to really
appreciate it. I am here to tell you that Rural
Renewal is superb.

The gentle guitar sweeps that you hear throughout this
album are quite inviting and relaxing. There are some other elements mixed in
to give it all some layers and color including the violin and dobro. Those are
factors that support the delicate yet stimulating guitar work being presented.

I found the title track stunning and picturesque. It was
the kind of track the perks up the senses. Actually, every composition had a value
and a distinctness all its own. I am sure that is why it was over so quickly.
It is the kind of music that has you saying once its over “That’s all? I don’t
want it to end.” And that my music listening friend are the keys to the kingdom
as far as I am concerned.

When a listener, any listener, takes in a complete
recording and enjoys it that much it normally fly’s right by. It is kind of
like a job you really enjoy and before you know it the day is over. If you are
fortunate to be listening to music like this or have a job where the days just
disappear in the flash, well consider yourself blessed.

Gerhard Daum is a very special talent that deserves all the
credit for creating a top notch instrumental guitar album.

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